I
started playing around at blogging back in 2008, mainly because I wanted to
share about my three passions – art, music, and books – but it wasn’t until
November of 2012 that I got serious about book reviews. (Actually, I still
can’t believe that I’m a reviewer, because writing is very difficult for me.
Let’s just say that no one could afford to pay me for my time!)

In
addition to my main focus on books, I also feature a lot of art on my blog
because beautiful paintings simply speak to me, although I can’t draw a
straight line. And then there’s my favorite humorist, Erma Bombeck. Here’s a
great Christmas post from one of her books: The Christmas Pageant. But my personal “art” is music, and I
plan to start a regular feature called With
a Song in My Heart. My first post featured Joni Eareckson Tada and the beloved gospel song, Farther Along.

Debra:
What’s the best part of being a reviewer?

Carole:
As much as I enjoy reading and
discovering new authors, I have to say that the best part is often getting to
connect personally with the authors behind some of my favorite books. Getting
to know them – their personalities and struggles – makes their writing come
alive even more. And when I meet someone with such a great sense of humor as
you, Debra … well, that’s even more special!

D:
(blushing) That’s very sweet, Carole. I truly am impressed with all the work
that bloggers do. And writing reviews is so very difficult for me that I am in
awe of anyone who does it. That said…what’s the most difficult part of the ‘the
job’?

C:
That’s easy, and probably the same answer you would have, Debra – deadlines!
Like most reviewers, I just can’t seem to say ‘no’ to a book that appeals, and
get over-committed as a result. Reviews need to be posted in a timely manner for
a book to succeed as it’s released, but that doesn’t mean I have to like tour
deadlines!

D: Pushing to hit deadlines can take the fun out of it, that's for sure!

D:
Cathy Gohlke is an incredible author. I won “William Henry is a Fine Name” many
years ago, and haven’t forgotten it.

What
do you do when you aren’t making authors happy? (I assume you have a life
outside of fiction. Maybe not!)

C:
I’m officially retired, but still work
part time doing sermon research for my pastor, and I play the piano in our
worship band.

D:
Very nice! Being part of the worship team is a big commitment, but obviously it’s
so much easier when it’s something you love.

What
would you like to share about yourself that few people know?

C:
As a retirement gift several years ago, my church gave me a trip to NYC where I
attended a music conference at The Brooklyn Tabernacle, the highlight of which
was singing with their world-famous choir on Sunday morning – a small taste of
heaven on earth. Also on that trip, the father of one of my daughter’s friends,
who was the producer of Law & Order:
Criminal Intent at the time, invited us to their set – and I got to meet
Chris Noth. He was very friendly and personable, and spent several minutes
visiting with us.

D:
That sounds incredible. Wow! And wow!

So, Carole, as far as fiction goes, what
is your favorite setting? Place and time?
Genre?

C:
Favorite setting: Anywhere in the British Isles

Place
& time: Colonial America, especially during the American Revolution

Genre:
Contemporary or historical drama, with murder mysteries being a close second

C:
The Sound of Music … So hard to
choose only one! Top picks would also be The
Unsinkable Molly Brown, The Music Man, and November Christmas (Hallmark).

Now here's a classic!

D:
One of my best friends would have said
Sound of Music right away, too. I saw it in the theater when it came out...which
was over fifty years ago. Gosh, that sounds crazy to me now. We went as a class
trip. But I haven't seen Molly Brown in forever! Thanks for the reminder.

If
you could wiggle your nose and be in a new career, what would it be?

C:
My career has been music – church pianist, worship assistant, piano teacher –
and I wouldn’t have wanted to be anything else.

D:
That’s something wonderful. So many of
us might have made different choices, so I’m pleased for you! Congratulations! what a blessing to have done the thing that brings you so much joy.What piece of
advice would you offer authors who are just starting out?

C:
I’m not a writer, but these are some things I’ve noticed from working with
authors … Write the story that God puts on your heart, because that’s what will
touch readers – and don’t get discouraged when doors are slow to open. Be
persistent. Fellow authors and review bloggers are very supportive, so connect
with a few of these and let them help.

And
Debra, you are so very gracious in featuring review bloggers! It is a privilege
to work with authors like you and I’m especially honored to be included. You
bless us with your writing.

D-
I’ve said it before. It just came to me one day. I tired of trying to come up
with topics of interest and … this happened. Reviewers and Bloggers in
particular put a lot of time into this very important part of the publishing
world. For free!

Comments

Hello Carole and friends, and HAPPY FRIDAY! Carole is my thirteenth guest in the Book Blogger Feature and will be part of a celebration on Nov 29-- a virtual blog party with giveaways. I'm so glad I got to 'meet' you online this year, Carole. And I thank you so much for your kind words and support!

Thanks Carole! You might be the first blogger who didn't give me some alternate 'dream career', so I didn't get to make you a 'faux photo!'. But it's just amazing that you've been able to do what you love all these years!